Basics

• Bruising occurs when small blood vessels under the skin break, leading to the discoloration of the skin and the appearance of a bruise.

Common causes

• Minor injuries or trauma, like bumping into furniture.

• Certain medications that affect blood clotting (like aspirin or clopidogrel).

• Aging, as skin becomes more fragile.

When it's okay to monitor symptoms

• If bruises result from minor injuries.

• When bruises fade on their own over time

When to talk to a doctor

• Unexplained or frequent bruising without apparent cause.

• Bruising that occurs easily or with minimal trauma.

• Bruises that don't heal or worsen over time.

When to seek emergency care

• Severe bruising after a significant injury or accident.

• Bruising of the head while on blood thinners

• Bruising associated with severe pain

Home remedies and over-the-counter medications

• Apply a cold compress to the bruised area to reduce swelling.

• Over-the-counter pain relievers for pain associated with bruising.

Notes:

• Bruises will often track downward with gravity ex: a bruised eyebrow may lead to discoloration of the eyelid later. This is ok.

• It is normal for a bruise to change colors, often from purple/blue/black to green to yellow